Having an optimised website is crucial for any business, no matter what you’re selling or what the industry is. But, if you’re new to all of this, you might be confused about the process. In other words, should you be working on SEO audits or focusing on building an SEO strategy?
The answer is that both processes are important. The real question is, should you begin with an SEO audit or jump straight into crafting an SEO strategy?
Understanding the Basics
First of all, it’s important to know the difference between an SEO audit and an SEO strategy. This way, you can know why you need to consider both options. While they can sound similar and people get mixed up, they have different goals.
SEO Audit: The Diagnostic Detective
An SEO audit, in essence, is like a detective inspecting a crime scene. It’s a meticulous examination of your website’s current state of affairs. Think of it as a comprehensive health check-up for your digital presence. During an audit, you unearth issues, uncover opportunities, and gain deep insights into your website’s performance. You’ll find out what works for your website and areas needing adjustment and improvement.
SEO Strategy: The Roadmap to Success
On the other hand, an SEO strategy is the battle plan. It’s the roadmap that guides your digital marketing efforts. It aligns your objectives, business goals, and target audience with actionable steps to improve your website’s visibility and performance in search results. It’s all about the future and what you’re doing to your website daily.
Handle By Yourself or Hire Professionals
The two processes have something in common. You can choose to take on an SEO audit and SEO strategy by yourself. If you have some knowledge of optimisation and how to monitor progress, you can successfully do this. Just ensure that you have the time and can dedicate energy to this.
On the other hand, you can choose to outsource your SEO audit and SEO strategy needs to an SEO agency. This can relieve you of stress and workload, as well as take advantage of industry expertise. Indeed, ClickSlice is a popular SEO agency that can help your business. For example, you can use SEO expert audits to rocket your revenue or use SEO services to work on your long-term goals. The choice is yours if you want to hire people that know what they’re doing.
The SEO Audit Process
Do you want to work on the SEO audit process by yourself? Here are some of the steps you need to know.
Technical Analysis
The audit journey usually kicks off with a deep dive into the technical aspects of your website. We’re talking about site speed, crawlability, indexability, and more. Technical hiccups can hinder your SEO efforts, so this step is crucial to ensure a smooth journey ahead.
Content Examination
Next up is a thorough examination of your content. What keywords are you targeting, and how effectively are they integrated? Are there duplicate content issues? Are you providing value to your audience? Your content’s quality and relevance are key.
Backlink Assessment
Backlinks are like votes of confidence from the digital world. An audit assesses the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to your site. Toxic links can harm your rankings, while quality ones can boost your authority.
On-Page SEO Evaluation
On-page SEO focuses on optimising individual pages for specific keywords. An audit checks if your pages are properly optimised with title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and keyword usage.
The SEO Strategy Development
Now, it’s time to learn about your SEO strategy and develop the right one. Here are some stages to think about.
Setting the Course
With your audit insights in hand, you’re now ready to craft your SEO strategy. This is where you define your goals and chart your course. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Clear Objectives: What do you aim to achieve with your SEO efforts? Whether it’s boosting traffic, increasing conversions, or enhancing brand visibility, set clear objectives.
Keyword Research: Your strategy should revolve around the right keywords. Conduct thorough research to identify the terms your target audience is searching for.
Content Planning: Plan your content strategy based on the keywords you’ve identified. Create engaging, informative, and valuable content that resonates with your audience.
SEO Audit vs. SEO Strategy: The Debate
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: Should you prioritise an SEO audit or an SEO strategy? As often is the case, the answer isn’t black and white.
Starting with an SEO Audit
Pro #1: Identifying Issues: An audit uncovers existing problems on your website, which can be promptly addressed.
Pro #2: A Solid Foundation: It ensures you start with a website that’s technically sound and free of critical issues.
Starting with an SEO Strategy
Pro #1: Setting Clear Goals: A strategy helps you define clear objectives and focuses your efforts on high-priority tasks.
Pro #2: Efficient Resource Allocation: It allows you to allocate your resources, time, and budget effectively.
It’s worth noting that these approaches aren’t mutually exclusive. In many cases, a blend of both can be the winning formula.
Finding the Right Balance
The key takeaway here is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal approach depends on your specific circumstances. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Website Age and History: Older websites may benefit from an audit to see their health, while newer ones might jump straight into strategy and work towards optimisation.
Current SEO Performance: If your website’s performing well, a strategy may be the way to go. For struggling sites, an audit can be a lifesaver and you can see what’s going wrong.
Industry Competitiveness: Highly competitive niches may require a solid strategy from the get-go. If you’re getting beaten by the competition, you can run an audit to see why.
Resources and Budget: Assess the resources you have at your disposal and allocate them wisely.
Conclusion
In the SEO universe, it’s not about choosing between an audit and a strategy; it’s about finding the perfect balance for your unique circumstances. Your journey is a dynamic one, where audits and strategies are ongoing processes. Stay flexible, adapt to changes, and remember that SEO success is a marathon, not a sprint.
